Comparing Shock Wave Therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy for Tennis Elbow Effects on Pain, Function, and Tendon Health

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two common noninvasive treatments for lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, which causes pain and reduced function in the elbow due to tendon degeneration. This study evaluates the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy ESWT and low-level laser therapy LLLT on pain, elbow function, quality of life, grip strength, and tendon structure in adults aged 18 to 65 with symptoms lasting at least six weeks. Participants will receive a tennis elbow brace and follow a standardized exercise program. They will be randomly assigned to receive either ESWT once weekly for 3 weeks using a specific protocol or LLLT three times per week for 3 weeks at defined points on the elbow. Both treatments target the lateral epicondyle region over the common extensor tendon. No other physical therapies or treatment changes are allowed during the study. Before and after the 3-week treatment period, participants will be assessed for pain using the Visual Analog Scale, elbow function with the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation, quality of life with the Short Form-36, and grip strength using a hand dynamometer. A blinded specialist will perform ultrasound imaging to measure tendon thickness and assess tendon quality. The study aims to compare clinical and structural results between the two therapies while monitoring participant progress throughout.

Comparison of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy in Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis